The new material will be made of Mitsubishi Chemical‘s polybutylene succinate (PBS) and PTT’s polylactic acid (PLA).
The new bioplastic is stronger than both plastics and will dissolve when exposed to air and water. The first applications will be straws and straw makers will be able to use the same molding equipment as they do to manufacture conventional straws.
The new material cost more than conventional plastic but because straws make up a tiny fraction of the price of a drink, any impact on consumer spending is expected to be small.
Polybutylene succinate (PBS) is a biodegradable plastic that decomposes into water and carbon dioxide with the microorganism under the soil. PBS has a high heat resistance compared to other biodegradable resins, and PBS has high compatibility with fibres.
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